Blessed and Thankful: A TRIBUTE TO TWO WONDERFUL WOMEN - First Baptist Church of Abilene
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Blessed and Thankful:
A TRIBUTE TO TWO WONDERFUL WOMEN
The children’s ministry of First Baptist was blessed for over
a combined 75 years of service from two wonderful women.
Marylan Bacon spent over 40 years on the fourth floor and
Brenda Pringle gave 35 years of service with the children. Both of
these women have been amazing examples of how we are to live
our lives in service to others for the Kingdom of God.
Any child who has come through the children’s ministry at FBC
over the past several decades has benefitted in learning spiritually
from both of these women through their teaching, as well as the
examples of living a Christ-led life. As a token of our
appreciation, we gave each of them a canvas with a tree filled
with fingerprints of our FBC children. These fingerprints
also came from many of our youth as these women were
instrumental in their spiritual development.
The fingerprints represent the fruit each of us are called to
bear as followers of Christ. We are so grateful for these two
beautiful women and the many years they blessed us with
their gifts and talents.
As we will dearly miss both of them, we are thankful we have
others who are following in their footsteps to help guide and
teach the children in their early years. We pray that each child
will become one who also bears good fruit as they follow Christ
and the wonderful examples set before them.
Thank you so much Marylan Bacon and Brenda Pringle.
Blessings to you both!
SEPTEMBER 2021 FBCABILENE.ORG
words
Dr. Phil Christopher
Senior Pastor
- FOR THE JOURNEY
Last week, I did an interview with KTAB and KRBC to
visit about my twenty-six-year ministry at FBC and
my upcoming retirement. I can’t remember all of his
struggles. You gave me the privilege of entering into
those vulnerable places of your life where most people
never get to go. What did I get? I had the blessing, yes
questions over the forty minutes we visited, but here blessing, to walk with you through a crisis and what you
are some reflections from the interview. But more taught me about persevering faith. I celebrated with you
importantly, a few memories of the privilege of serving in times of great joy dedicating your children, baptisms,
as Pastor for these twenty-six years. marrying your children and officiating at funerals for
your parents. Now, I get to dedicate your children and
He first asked, “Why I came?” Interesting question and baptize them even as we come to this last month – what
one the next pastor will have to answer. Obviously, I a gift of grace.
came because Mary and I believed God was calling us
here even with the disruption of a senior in high school As you think about what you want or need in the new
and a middle schooler. But, one thing I hope I have Pastor, I thought about preaching from a Pastor’s
taught you, God often disrupts our plans with something perspective. The sermon would be: “What Does a Pastor
greater. We were happy where we were – we weren’t Look for in a Church?” As much as you will consider and
looking to uproot – but we felt there was such promise discuss the gifts needed in a new pastor, what can you
here. I came here because of you and your passion and do right now to prepare for a perspective pastor who
vision for the church. I came because you have been a will be looking at First Baptist?
church who has made a difference in the world and this
city. As you enter this Interim Time, here are things you can
do. Be faithful in attendance – being together matters.
We talked about what we had accomplished together.... Read Acts 2:42-47. Pray for God’s will – nothing more,
I shared about the creation of City Light Community nothing else, nothing less as you set aside your agendas.
Ministries in 1997. We discussed the growing outreach Make the study of James in Sunday school a priority.
of the Ministry of Counseling. We talked about the Step up in your giving. Your financial stewardship is a
renovation of the sanctuary which has now become reflection on the spiritual health of the church. As much
a gathering place for our community. The sanctuary as you will be looking at potential candidates, they will
stands as such a holy place of worship in these times be looking at the ways you understand what it means to
when we can feel so lost and need a sacred place. We be and support the church.
talked about our church’s decision to raise $3.5 million
for missions after the sanctuary renovation. This church As I retire, look to the future and let me encourage you
has always looked outward, not to become bigger, but with the lyrics from Chris Tomlin’s song, “God of the City.”
more missional and compassionate. Even in the challenges you face, we have hope and this
vision: “For greater things have yet to come and greater
The reporter asked me something like: “What benefit or things are still to be done in this city. There is no one
what did you get out of being pastor?” I struggled for a like our God....” As God has guided this church for 140
moment to answer. After all, I came to minister, not to years, we can trust He will guide you in the future. The
get. But, it was a question to think about – all of us have greatest days are ahead of you....
needs, even Pastors.
Brave Journey,
What did I get from these 26 years we have shared Phil
together? You allowed me to know your stories and
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE RELATING TO
THE FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
WITH TEXAS BAPTISTS AND THE COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: A primary legacy investigate how and what these groups do and how
of First Baptist that corresponds with what our Church does and what
Kathy Shackelford Church, Abilene is our missonal vision is.
Nancy Brock being a missional
church in our The Texas Baptist Group (Kathy, David, Jerry, and Nancy)
Teresa Ellis community and found that Texas Baptists appeared financially stable and
David Hall around the secure. It provides a wide range of ministries to Texas
Jerry Carter world. We have Baptist Churches as well as aid in education, hospitals,
historically children’s homes, disaster relief, etc. This group provides
Paul Irby cooperated with a valuable service to the Baptist community in Texas.
Paul Thames other Baptist
churches within The Committee found that Texas Baptists does not have a
Dick Dansby the State of Texas missions’ board per se (they are not a missionary sending
Ken Leggett and across the agency) but does, through its giving, fund mission
U.S. through two sending agencies and does fund mission activities. It no
Baptist entities: longer sends money to CBF, but is aware local Churches
The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) also do so. Texas Baptists support local church autonomy of
known as Texas Baptist and Cooperative Baptist church spending decisions.
Fellowship (CBF). Texas Baptists serve Baptist churches
and needs primarily within the State of Texas. The CBF Most of Texas Baptists money is spent on worthy matters
serves Baptist churches across the U.S. and provides within the State of Texas. The committee believes that
mission personnel within the U.S. as well as globally. Texas Baptists is an organization that is worthy of our
support as a Church through our annual budget.
The Committee met in general session on June 23, 2021.
Two (2) subcommittees were formed one to look at the The CBF subcommittee (Teresa, Paul Thames, Paul
relationship between FBC and Texas Baptists and one Irby, and Dick) met and examined CBF and its financial
to look at the relationship between FBC and CBF. The structure. That group determined that 43% of CBF
committee met again in general sessions on July 14 and spending is allocated to global missions and 31% of
August 11 and this report was produced. its spending is allocated to investing in training and
recruiting of your Baptist Leaders and education. The
The charge of the group was to examine the financial CBF also appears financially stable.
relationship between FBC and Texas Baptists and FBC
and CBF as a result of a motion passed by the church It appeared to the CBF group (Teresa, Paul Thames,
on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Paul Irby and Dick) that the core values of CBF - Soul
Freedom, Bible Freedom, Church Freedom, and Religious
First Baptist Church does not give a specific dollar Freedom, correspond with what members of FBC hold as
amount to either Texas Baptists or CBF, rather, the core values. CBF does appear to be focused on foreign
Church gives 4% of its total receipts to the church missions and that is a focus at FBC as well.
budget each year to these organizations (2% to Texas
Baptists and 2% to CBF). The CBF’s philosophy of missions is based on everything
they do is evangelism. They do not see evangelism and
The Committee endeavored to look at the financial social ministry as separate. They look for ways the
stability of each organization (TB and CBF) and gospel can be expressed in reaching out beyond culture
Continued from page 6.
differences. The CBF’s mission philosophy reflects the
fulness of the gospel - committed to the whole gospel
and the whole person of reaching people spiritually
and physically in the name of Jesus. The committee a note from:
believes that CBF is an organization that is worthy of
our support as a church through our annual budget.
THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The Personnel Committee continues to prepare
As we cooperate with other Baptist churches through
for the transition following Dr. Christopher’s
the CBF, we are able to be part of sending out
retirement at the end of September. We have
missionaries across the globe. Our church has had the
made the decision to create some space between
added privilege of knowing and working directly with
his retirement and the calling of an interim pastor.
several of the CBF mission personnel who are making
This will be approximately a month to six weeks.
such a difference in their respective ministries: Jeff
and Alicia Lee in Macedonia, David and Lauren Bass
In addition to our recommending an interim
in Cambodia, Huffs in Thailand, and Lesley-Ann Hix
pastor to the Deacons for approval and then to
Tommey in New York City.
the church for a vote, we have, in the meantime,
the responsibility of enlisting speakers for Sunday
Our cooperation with other Baptist churches through
worship services. For the first three Sundays of
Texas Baptists allows us to partner with these
October, we have enlisted three of our own:
churches in supporting a variety of institutions
within the State of Texas including Hardin Simmons Mike Greenfield - October 3
University and Hendrick Medical Center. Our offerings
also provide scholarships for ministerial students Dr. Bob Ellis - October 10
at Baptist universities in Texas. In addition, in many
Bible study classes at First Baptist we use BaptistWay
Dr. Meredith Stone - October 17
curriculum (now known as GC2) which is produced by
Please continue to pray for unity of spirit and
Texas Baptists.
leadership of the Spirit in these days of transition.
The Study Committee understands that cooperating
Mike Patrick, Chair
with other Baptist churches to better facilitate
evangelism, education, and provide for the physical
needs of people is a core Baptist belief. Texas Baptists
and CBF are both organizational structures that do
well in providing these services. Therefore, the Study
Committee believes that the people of First Baptist
Church should continue to support both Texas Baptists
and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Bible Study for Fall 2021
by C.V. Blake
First Baptist Church has been around for a long time and has offered Sunday school for
almost as long. As Baptists, we have always been people of the Book. We teach our
children to know and love the Word of God. We encourage grown-ups to engage in a
culture of spiritual growth and fellowship in Sunday school classes which are focused
on Bible Study. For the past several years, we have provided resources and advice to
adult classes for courses of study. For the past 18 months, we have been scattered
and isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been talking about ways to
get us back together. One thing we have talked about is asking all of our classes from
middle school to Senior Adults to study the same thing. Baptistway Press, now known
as GC2 (Great Commission/Great Commandment) is offering a study on the book of
James. So, beginning September 5, all of our youth and adult classes will be studying
this book on Sunday mornings. I will also be teaching it as my online study this Fall.
As you know, Dr. Christopher has been preaching from the book of James this summer.
I appreciate him for giving this encouragement. As he prepares to retire and we begin
the search for our next pastor, I believe it is especially important for us to study the
Bible together. I am looking forward to sharing the study of this very practical book
with you. We will begin on September 5 at 9:00 a.m. See you there.
Healing Hearts
by Cherry Curry
September marks the beginning of the 10th year provide tangible prayer support for others.
of Healing Hearts Ministry at FBC Abilene. Healing
Hearts is a Prayer Shawl Ministry created to lend If you are interested in being a part of Healing Hearts
prayer support to others. We gift handmade items Ministry, there are a number of ways you can serve.
like angels, prayer cloths, shawls, throws, and "no- If you can knit, crochet, or make "no-sew" fleece
sew" fleece blankets to people who are experiencing blankets, you can put that talent to good use. We
significant illness, long-term treatment, or loss of a provide the yarn and the material for making these
loved one. We also make hats for the people who are prayer gifts. If you enjoy scrapbooking, you can
served by City Light Ministries. Once an individual use your creativity to help document this ministry.
has received two handmade items, we send them We also need people who are willing to serve as
a card as a reminder that we continue to pray for couriers to help distribute the gifts. We welcome
their needs. your prayers for us as we make and deliver these
gifts.
In our first nine years of ministry, we have given
3,756 items. The scope of this ministry has really If you are interested or have questions
grown. In addition to meeting the prayer needs about Healing Hearts, please feel free to
of our church family, our reach has extended to contact Cherry Curry at 325-864-1897
our community and has reached as far as other or dctlcurry4@yahoo.com.
countries. We count it "our blessing" to be able to
Investing in the Future – Bringing Hope
by Larry Smith, Chair Give Hope Project
We have so much to be thankful for as we plan for the continued construction work at The Hope Center. As
a church, we have pledged nearly $6,000,000 of the projected $8,700,000 cost. The Ministry of Counseling
renovation is complete and is now operating on the 2nd floor of the Perry Building. We anticipate taking bids
for the City Light and GLO projects this fall.
Increased construction costs have impacted our budget, but the staff, committee, contractor, and architect are
all working together to reduce costs. Our hope is by the time we take bids, labor and material prices will have
stabilized or come down.
We need your help in reaching our goal by first of all praying for wisdom and guidance. Secondly, we would
ask you to consider extending your giving to the Hope Center for an extra year, making your first pledge, or by
making a one-time gift to help us reach our goal of $8,700,000.
NORTH 4TH STRE
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BEECH STREET
NORTH ORANGE
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OPTION 02 | SOUTHEAST PERSPECTIVE
JULY 02, 2020
JULY 02, 2020 MY COMMITMENT TO GIVE HOPE
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________
give Phone: _____________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________
I/We prayerfully commit to step out in faith and pledge the following amount above our regular tithes
hope
and offerings choosing from the 4 options listed below.
I/We will commit to continue my/our pledge for a 4th year. Pledge Amount $__________________.
I/We will start a Three-Year Pledge Amount $__________________.
For our Children
For our Families I/We to give accordingly: $__________________ per __________________ for 3 years.
For our Community I/We will make a one-time gift in the amount of $__________________.
I/We wish to commit to GIVE HOPE campaign by means of a gift other than cash.
Description and Approximate Value: $____________________________________.
Signature (optional): _____________________________________________________________________________________
FBC MISSIONS: ACTING IN love
City Light Celebrated the graduates from the Culinary Academy!
Friday, August 20, the Culinary Academy students had the honor of a guest chef, Rob Allen who is the Executive
Chef from Grain Theory of Abilene, to help cook the food, which was provided by United Supermarkets, and
encourage the students during the day as they learned and prepared the meal for their graduation. They prepared
a wonderful meal consisting of Caesar salad, braised beef short ribs, roasted potatoes with a vegetable medley,
and cinnamon poached pears and praline! Our City Light Board members were gracious enough to serve the
students and their families and our guests that evening for the graduation meal. Market Street of Abilene also
blessed our graduates with flowers.
We would like to thank United Supermarkets and Market Street for all their help and partnership with our Culinary
Academy and City Light. They have and will continue to be a great blessing!
Please continue to pray for these graduates, Deb, Dan, Sienna, Izzy, Maddie, and Elizabeth as moving forward they
use the life and food preparation skills they learned during this past 12-weeks.
CITY LIGHT
CASE MANAGEMENT MINISTRY
MOVING FORWARD
Please continue to pray for our volunteer
Case Managers and those involved in
the new Case Management Ministry!
Barbara, LuAnn, Carolyn, Richard, Kathy,
Dawn, Stan, Stephanie, Hillary, and their
trainers Megan and Maura, will soon
complete their initial training and begin to FRIENDSHIP HOUSE UPDATE
work with our neighbors in crisis, helping
them find stability and hope in a loving Trevor, Gina, and their boys are almost moved into
Christian environment. the Friendship House on Orange Street and have
already begun to minister to that neighborhood
and others in the community by building
relationships. Pray for them as they work to
build this new ministry with our neighbors.
You will enjoy getting to know this family! They
love the Lord and this community. In the picture,
Trevor also plays the role of Gus and leads the
Abilene Downtown Walking Tour.
BIG A DIRECTOR
POSITION OPEN
FBC is seeking to fill a part-time paid
position for Director of Big A, a City
Light ministry for elementary kids.
If you are interested in leading this Begin watching for news as we work on
ministry, contact John Moore at scheduling a House Blessing for the Allen family
john.moore@fbcabilene.org or 675-8112. where the church can be a part of helping this
ministry and discovering what it is all about.
This might be a place for YOU to help minister!
UNIFIED MISSION OFFERING 2021
We can change the world one community at a time!
SEVEN MISSION OFFERINGS COMBINED INTO ONE
GOAL: $75,000 YEAR TO DATE: $25,250
BGCT World Hunger - 15%
Supports projects across the world which feed the hungry and help the hungry help themselves
in the context of holistic Christian ministry.
Community Transformation - 12%
Provides resources for responding to specific ministry opportunities and needs right here in
Abilene. These resources help to transform families, neighborhoods, and ministry partners within
the Big Country.
Baptist World Aid - 10%
The compassionate arm of the Baptist World Alliance provides help for persons in need globally
through disaster relief, alleviation of hunger, medical assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS,
and community development.
Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions - 7%
Designed by Women’s Missionary Union of Texas, this offering provides funding for the Texas
Baptists’ missionaries including: language ministries, work with international students, camp
scholarships, African-American ministries, church ministries, bi-vocational/smaller church
ministries, and associational missions.
BGCT Disaster Relief - 3%
Serves as an information network working directly with Baptist churches and associations to
assess needs, disburse resources for those affected by disaster, and facilitate connections with
Baptist Partners.
Lawrence Trott Offering for Associational Missions - 3%
Provides support for the Abilene Baptist Association including: Hope Camp for at-risk teens,
Social Ministries - food and clothing for the needy, Hospitality House - lodging for families of
incarcerated loved ones, strengthening churches, Big Country Baptist Assembly, and Christian
Women’s Job Corps.
You can give to the Unified Missions Offering through the church office by
mail or in person, or by putting it in the offering plate Sunday mornings.RANDOM THOUGHTS By Mike Greenfield September is packed with various events and reflect almost every area of our church. It is easy to see that we are not just a one-dimensional church, but rather a church which is very diverse in its makeup and tries very hard to include everyone in the life of the church. From our first graders receiving their Bibles to recognizing those who have been members for 50+ years. Both are vitally important to the life of our church and have much to offer each other. So, on Saturday evening, September 11, Becky Tucker will host the first graders at her home and Dr. Christopher will have an opportunity to spend some quality time with each child as they receive their Bible. Because of COVID-19, Becky had to adjust how the Bibles were given and it was such a special time that she decided to continue to do it this way. But, we do think it is important that the church be able to celebrate with these children, so the next morning, Sunday, September 12, during the morning worship service the children will be highlighted during the service. Having celebrated the future of the church, we then will pause to honor those who have helped get us to where we are. On Sunday, September 19, we will honor those who have been members for 50+ years and welcome the class of 1971. The list of names represents countless hours/days/years of ministry/committee work/teaching and overall commitment to the work God has done, is doing, and will continue to do through First Baptist Church. On September 12, we will also hear from the Senior Pastor Search Committee and will have a special time of commissioning. This group, chaired by Dr. Bob Ellis, has been hard at work and Bob will share some of their progress and the direction the committee is headed as we look for a new senior pastor. Then on September 26, we will celebrate with Dr. Christopher on his last Sunday as Senior Pastor here at First Baptist Church. By now, you should have received an invitation to a reception being held in his honor at the home of Susan and Jeff Braaten. This will be a come and go reception and you are free to come as your schedule permits. A copy of the invitation is also here in this edition of First Words. The service that morning will allow time for us to honor him, but he will also preach and lead us in the Lord’s Supper one last time. This will be a special day in the life of our church. Of course, COVID-19 continues to rear its ugly head and keeps making life more and more difficult to deal with. Here at the church, we continue to be cautious, but are working to not have to shut things down or cancel programming. We certainly want everyone to come at their level of security and acknowledge the differencing opinions about the wearing of masks. So, we encourage anyone to wear a mask and respect that decision. We will be limiting the greeting time during worship and not encourage folks to walk around. We will continue to use the disposable all-in-one communion cups as a way of preventing possible spread of the virus. As we move into the fall, several annual things take place in the life of our committee work. Filling slots on the various committees, seeking 20 new deacons to serve on the deacon body, and work on the 2022 Ministry Budget just to name a few. In looking at the budget, we are still behind in where we projected to be at this time (see financial numbers on back page). However, I believe we have a bright future and this fall will be an opportunity for us all to recommit to the work God is doing through our church.
Q #fbcabilene
https://www.instagram.com/fbcabilene/
September
D @fbcabilene
https://twitter.com/fbcabilene
6 Church Offices Closed
E FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ABILENE, TX
https://www.facebook.com/
FirstBaptistChurchAbileneTx/
for Labor Day Holiday
8 Buildings & Grounds
Committee Meeting
STAFF ANNIVERSARIES 11 First Grade Bibles given
September 1, 6 years
(Tucker Home)
Sheryl Doss
GLO Teacher 12 First Grade Bible Presentation
in morning worship
September 5, 42 years
Lee Curiel Personnel Committee Meeting
Custodian
14 Women’s Night (Bunco)
September 8, 11 years
Merri Roberts
Music Ministry Assistant
19 Senior Adult Recognition
September 15, 2 years 21 Finance Committee
Austen Winfrey Deacons’ Meeting
Pastor for Students
26 Lord’s Supper
September 16, 2 years
Jamie Ramos Retirement Celebration
GLO Teacher for Dr. Christopher
September 30, 2 years
30 Blessed Family Fun Night @ FLC
Matthew Fahrlender
Custodian
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
August 2021
Budget August Year-to-Date
Required $295,000 $2,216,980
Given $229,826 $1,911,851 1333 North 3rd, Abilene, TX 79601
fbc@fbcabilene.org | www.fbcabilene.org
God continues to bless our faithfulness through 325-673-5031
the tithes and offerings given to His Kingdom work.You can also read
